Our mission is preventing extinction, but we can’t do this alone! We’re committed to empowering 10 million people to live more sustainably by building skills and knowledge, giving them the confidence to take action for nature. Working with young people is vital to this mission.
Thanks to our funders at The Westminster Foundation, we’re able to work with even more young people to remove barriers to accessing nature and conversation and allow us to bring diverse young voices into the conservation sector.
As part of this work, we’ve launched our first ever Chester Zoo Youth Network, with the aim to bring together passionate wildlife lovers, curious conservationists and young changemakers for a greener wilder future.
We’ll offer an exciting programme of inclusive, accessible and engaging events and experience designed with young people in mind. We hope that these opportunities will allow like-minded people to meet and have fun, as well as share, inspire and build confidence to take action for nature, or even seek out conservation careers.
In collaboration with our Chester Zoo Youth Board and local youth groups, we’ve been developing a programme of in-person and online events, training and activities for young people aged 12-25 to get involved in at weekends, evenings and holidays.
On Saturday 3 August, we held our first ever youth social event. Our aim was to create a sense of community, so we were delighted to hear that the group felt inspired and more connected to the zoo’s mission. The experience included a special behind the scenes tour and the chance to meet some of our invertebrate experts to find out about our incredible conservation work to save species.
“It was an AMAZING day, and the highlight was a tour led by Poppy, a Zoo Ranger. We got to see giraffes, snow leopards, and even visit the butterfly habitat. Tamas from the Ectotherms Team gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible work the team is doing with various species, such as the groundbreaking conservation work being carried out with the giant magnolia snails. And the best part? We’re planning even more of these events in the future to create a thriving community of like-minded young people.”
Lyndon, one of our Youth Board members who supported the social event.
Lyndon continued to say:
“Speaking of inspiration, nothing gets us more excited than our Annual Youth Summit. Last year, our third summit was a roaring success, headlined by none other than Aaron Whitnall and Inka Cresswell – two trailblazers in the conservation world. We’re already gearing up for this year’s event, and trust us, it’s going to be even bigger and better. With workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities, the summit is designed to empower young people and ignite their passion for conservation.”
What can the Chester Zoo Youth Network offer you?
In collaboration with our Youth Board and local youth groups, we’ve been developing a programme of in-person and online events, training and activities for young people aged 12-25 to get involved in at weekends, evenings and holidays.
Opportunities to meet like-minded people, have fun, share and inspire each other to make positive change.
A programme of inclusive, accessible and engaging events and experiences designed with young people.
Training and workshops to build practice skills and build confidence to take action for nature, or seek out conservation careers.
A bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with the network news and events.
Wildlife Connections Festival
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September
Join us at the Youth Hub with a tent and programme that’s been designed by the amazing young people at both Chester Youth Senate and Youth Fed. Free Festival, no need to book!
Chester Zoo Youth Summit
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October
Our annual youth event is an opportunity for young people 16 – 35 years old, from across the country to share their experiences, knowledge, and passion for conservation! With workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities, the summit is designed to empower young people and ignite their passion for conservation.
Want to get involved in our Youth Network?
We’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas about the types of events you’d like to see in the programme.
If you’d like to get involved in supporting the network and events (such as planning, designing youth spaces, delivering activities) let us know at Youthnetwork@chesterzoo.org.